Renewable Energy Systems

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces different types of energy Sources and the techniques for their conversion and storage. These include hydropower, energy from biomass & biogas, photovoltaic energy conversion, energy from oceans, wind energy, geo-thermal; coal, oil and nuclear energy; passive use of solar energy for space heating and solar collectors. It finalizes with the Interconnection of Alternative Energy Sources with the National Grid.

COURSE JUSTIFICATION/RATIONALE

To present the fundamental principles of renewable energy

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

• Outline the principles involved in the generation of power from renewable and non-renewable energy systems.
• Design suitable power controller for wind and solar applications
• Assess the cost of generation for conventional and renewable energy plants
• Analyze the issues involved in the integration of renewable energy sources to the grid.
• Predict the consequences of their energy choices.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

A student completing the course is expected to:

• Describe sources and uses of energy.
• Define and classify renewable and non-renewable energy.
• Provide examples of common types of renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Give different ways of saving energy at personal, community and global level.
• Describe some general characteristics of solar power, hydropower and wind power and other sources of energy.
• Give the benefits and disadvantages of using renewable resources.
• Describe the role of engineers in energy conservation.
• Describe the impacts of energy use on society
• Identify and describe photovoltaic systems and its components